WELCOME! We hope that you find the Divine Savior community a welcoming and accepting place for you and your growing family to celebrate all of life's milestones, to find support for life's struggles and challenges, and to grow in your individual walk with God, alongside others who are on the journey.
The birth of a child (first, third or seventh!) is a life-altering experience for everyone in the family. The celebration of the sacrament of Baptism is one way that we try to help families connect with God in new ways, through a community of faith. Whether you are a new parent or you've been around the block a few times, we understand that you might come with questions about Jesus and the Church. You may be confused about what Catholics believe and why, even if you've been a Catholic your whole life. You may be thinking about the many issues your family faces now and in the years ahead, how to lead your family in right ways, to grow in faith as individuals and as a united family.
The process of preparing for Baptism is less about parental knowledge and more about helping families to invite Jesus to be part of their home and their everyday life. It is a commitment to a lifelong journey of growing in loving relationship with the very Creator of all life, and with Jesus who teaches us how to love as God loves. If you would like to raise your child in the Catholic faith as a participating member at Divine Savior Church, please use the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch with us about your child's baptism. Divine Savior pledges to support your family along the way. Each family's journey is unique and we hope you will share your journey with us!
Scroll down for FAQ's and to submit the form to get in touch with us for more information!
Tiene preguntas sobre el sacramento de bautismo? Manda una mensaje a jennifer@divinesavior.com
The process for preparing for baptism involves an initial phone call/overview, then both the godparents and parents watch the videos and read the downloadable formation materials. There are two follow-up sessions. ALL OF THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED FROM YOUR HOME. During Covid times we've developed this process so that your family and our staff and volunteers can remain safe and healthy, while still grow in the faith together! When you fill out the form below, our parish staff will reach out to do the overview and get you started.
The process takes a minimum of 4 weeks, but typically plan on 6-8 weeks. Tuesday nights at 7:00 are the zoom follow ups, but are assigned to specific dates once you enroll in the process during the overview phone call. Godparents and Parents go through this process together, using the same materials and zoom sessions.
Want to dip your toes in to see what's in store? Watch "Your Child Is A Gift" Video
YES - and we are so glad you are giving the gift of faith to your child! We understand the many unique situations that single parents face, and we encourage you to get in touch with us so we can talk with you about that. We would need proof that you have decision-making legal rights for this child, and/or that the other parent does not object to the child being baptized as a Catholic.
Only one Catholic parent is required to baptize a child as a Catholic. We would encourage the non-Catholic parent to participate fully in the formation process, so that he/she understands and supports the Catholic parent in raising the child in the faith.
Grandparents can be amazing witnesses to the Catholic faith in the lives of their grandchildren! Baptism requires at least one Catholic parent, and full support of the second parent if possible. Raising a child in the Catholic faith is a commitment made by both the family and by the parish community, but it is the parents' decision to do so, and we will need to be in touch directly with the Catholic parent. Grandparents can often be chosen as godparents! We would love to talk with you more about your family's situation, so please get in touch with us using the form below.
Only one godparent is required for baptism, and that godparent must be at least 16 years old and must have celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation as a Catholic. If parents desire two people as godparents for their child, the godparents must be one male and one female. If someone is not confirmed as a Catholic, they can be listed as a Christian Witness. We request that all Godparents/Christian Witnesses paricipate fully in the entire Baptism formation process, and we've made it very easy for them to do so, even if they live far away!
YES - Even though this process is intended for parents of children from infancy through age 7, all children and teens will go through some sort of formation process to receive any sacraments at Divine Savior. We address this individually with your family, and we tailor the formation processes to fit your needs while helping you connect to our family of faith and surround your children (and yourselves!) with as much support as possible as we all journey together with Jesus! Feel free to contact us directly, or use the form below to get in touch with us. We offer faith formation for the entire family - click here to learn more!
"Limbo" was once thought to be a place of peace and contentment that isn't quite heaven, where those who have not been baptized dwell if they should die. The concept of Limbo does not come from the official teachings of the Church. The Catechism says (CCC 1261) that we entrust children to the mercy of God, who desires that all people be saved. God who created all people LOVES all people unconditionally. Jesus himself said "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them." (Mark 10:14) Therefore, it is the desire of Divine Savior parish to do all we can to encourage you and your children to learn about Jesus, to understand and enjoy His great love for you, and if you desire it, to receive the grace of the Sacrament of Baptism.
YES - Of course, we encourage all to join us for weekend Masses, holy days, formation events, socials, and opportunities to serve the community, as often as possible. But the only requirements for Baptism in the Catholic church are the desire by parents to raise their child in the faith, and the commitment to helping them learn about Jesus and his love for them. Divine Savior parish is here to HELP, not to place barriers or rules or restrictions on you or your child. Every person's experience is unique and we encourage you to get in touch with us through the form below, so that we can discuss any specific concerns your family has and see if Divine Savior church community is a good fit for your family.
There are no fees for sacraments in the Catholic Church. Our parish takes great care and wants to invest time and energy with those preparing for sacraments, and we encourage you to prayerfully consider a donation to help us fulfill our mission to help you grow in the faith. All donations can be made online, or by sending a check or bringing cash to the parish office. Click here for online giving!